USATF Venue Inspection Check List
Track
Surface
Venue
there an obstacle-free zone on the inside and outside of the track at least one meter in
width?
to venues?
o wait for their heat/section?
Blocks
outside of the track?
m of the block?
Hurdles
track?
steeplechase barriers securely fastened and at the proper
Clerking Area
have sufficient space for athletes?
-up area? If not, is there an alternate warm-up location?
Vertical Jumps
Landing Pit
at level of competition and compliant with the
latest rule requirements? If not, DO NOT CONDUCT THE EVENT.
A. Are there any holes in the pads?
B. Are the pads free of debris?
C. Pole vault –Has the new NFHS approved box collar?
Apron or Runway
the area or runway of a sufficient size?
A. Is it near the track?
B. Are other events taking place at the same time in the area?
C. Is there adequate room for athletes and officials to conduct the competition
without impeding another event?
D. Is there a reasonable possibility that a non-competitor could cross the runway?
F Youth) Is there a location and a scale to check vaulter and pole weights?
Horizontal Jumps
Landing Pit
situation?
unning events?
Take-off Board
If wooden, is it smooth and level with the runway, and is it secure?
Runway
A. Is it near the track?
B. Are other events taking place at the same time in the same area?
C. Is there a reasonable possibility that a non-competitor could cross the runway
or landing area?
Throws
the circle but outside the cage or throwing area?
– AT LEAST one meter beyond the stretch point of the
netting?
fencing/roping to keep spectators out?
danger of stray implements?
sector during warm-ups and competition?
officials, media, or spectators could cross the landing
area?
a safe distance behind cage and away from the sector/runway?
active thrower and the on-deck athlete?
warm-up sticking throws?
supervision during warm-ups and competition?
areas for their work?
measurement if used?
Circle
A. Is the rim the correct depth?
B. Is the rim rounded with no jagged edges?
A. If the circle is wood, is it secured so it will not slide when used?
B. Is the circle smooth?
C. Is the circle free of debris (sand, leaves, stones, rubber pellets, etc.)?
obstructions?
the circle surface if needed?
Cage
– 4m for discus, 5m for hammer, 3.66m for weight; front of
ring – 4m for discus, 6.15m for hammer; 3.66m for weight?
44mm?
hammer without rebounding toward an athlete?
stretch and to establish a safe zone AT LEAST one
meter beyond the stretch point?
ring for hammer and 2.5m for weight?
A. Is there a mark for each door at both the open and closed positions?
B. Is there a way to anchor the door in both the open and closed positions?
Javelin Runway
obstructions?
Sector
not move and people do not trip over the anchors?
holes?
Is there a possibility that the thrown implements will land on track?
© 2013, USATF Officials Training Subcommittee. This checklist is meant to raise common
questions about reasonable steps to take to keep a venue safe. It is not exhaustive and may not
cover all situations. It should not be construed as legal advice. Officials should follow rule book
provisions, laws, and act reasonably.